Monitoring COVID-19
MCNC has assembled the following information and resources for our Community as we monitor and navigate the impact of COVID-19. We will update this page as circumstances warrant.
March 4, 2020
Tommy Jacobson, MCNC’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President sent the following message regarding COVID-19 to MCNC’s Community on March 4, 2020.
As concerns over the COVID-19 Corona virus continue to grow, MCNC would like our community to know that we are prepared to maintain normal business operations. We have taken steps to ensure that our world-class networking services remain available, even if conditions exist that prevent us from accessing our Network Operations Center or other facilities throughout the state. Our existing Business Continuity and Disaster Resistance planning includes measures that specifically address pandemic scenarios, and we are prepared to enact them, if necessary as a result of local or state directive. We know that many of your continuity and pandemic response plans likely depend on the availability of reliable network connectivity, and MCNC is working to ensure that our service will be there when you need it.
To ensure continuity of operations:
- All MCNC operational staff have the necessary devices and equipment to support the network remotely during normal and emergency situations. Our routine, day to day operations that do not require physical intervention can be performed via home internet connections and secure remote access.
- All network management devices are housed in redundant, “lights out” facilities with 24x7x365 network access.
- Our NOC staff have access from their homes to voice/IP service tied directly into the MCNC phone system to answer/place operational calls. Additionally, MCNC has Zoom video conferencing capabilities and routinely leverages this service during maintenance and operational related activities.
- MCNC has geographic and physical redundancy for all core elements and services of the network and upstream connectivity to the global internet.
- Should physical access be required in locations to effect repair at end user locations, we will coordinate that access with you directly.
- The safety of our staff and our constituents is of the utmost importance during any situation.
If you have any questions regarding our specific plans, please do not hesitate to ask.
MCNC’s Secure Application Access (No cost access for up to 60 days)
Educause (Summary of Corporate Resources for Higher Ed)
Spectrum Residential (Free Internet Access to qualifying homes with students)
While our team is largely able to work remotely, we know there are many in our community, including many students and families associated with the school systems we serve, that are not able to work and may be feeling the impact of this event more fully than others. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC is initiating a number of programs to reach out to those in need, including working with local school districts to provide family-sized boxes of shelf stable foods for those in need associated with the schools.
MCNC is working with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC to set up a matching donation program to support these initiatives. MCNC will match total donations by our employees of up to $5,000 made through the link below to the Food Bank. We know our team is a caring group and wanted to take the opportunity to help support in this way.
The MCNC Community has always demonstrated the highest level of dedication and commitment to their organizations and constituents. In these difficult times, when responding to a global pandemic, many out there are undoubtedly demonstrating commitment and dedication while faced with uncertainty and concern over their own families, peers, and communities.
We would like to recognize those individuals who are showing each day what it means to go above and beyond to serve their organizations and communities under trying circumstances. Whether it is implementing new technologies to support virtual meetings and distance learning or making sure staff can work from home, we want to know who it is.
MCNC Champions are individuals, teams, departments, or organizations that have demonstrated exemplary service in a time of need.
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond during this ongoing crisis? Let’s recognize their efforts. It’s easy to do. Just email press@mcnc.org and describe why the person/group(s) should be recognized (or ask any questions you might have).
